Lessons Learned in K-Dramaland

The New Year is here, and I've already started to do what I do best..

What better way to combine these two things than to belatedly write an article about dramas and lessons I've learned because of them the past year. My usual method of having drama marathons when I have papers due is out of the question at the moment because it is blissfully winter break.

Dramas have taught me a lot over the years. Things like fun things to do in Jejudo, mourning rituals, how to eat ramen properly--even the Korean language. But sometimes, I learn real lessons about life instead of simple facts or stories. These lessons can be anything from inconsequential, to just plain interesting, or even serve as an inspiration to live a better life. 2012 provided me with many lessons great and small from both magnificent dramas and disappointing dramas. Some lessons are long, and some are short. I've listed the dramas in chronological order of when they aired. As long as the drama got airtime in 2012, I included it, regardless of how far I personally have gotten through it or if it completed airing. And just so we're clear, there may be **SPOILERS** ahead. I'll try to write **SPOILER** next to specific titles, but sometimes that's not enough to keep people from being spoiled who pretend they don't want to be. ^_^ Also, some addicts are really good at figuring out entire storylines from random details, so be warned! This is all my opinion. I may offend (though I hope I do not) or have different opinions than you (I hope I do). Either way, don't kill me please! Let's have a rousing and respectful debate in the comments!

Fight for what's right, even when you don't have a chance in hell of winning...

...because Heaven might just send an angel to help you. I'm not into melos. In fact, I try to avoid the genre, but the story sounded good, so I started watching it. Wouldn't you know it, the writers were actually decent and I stuck by it. Beautiful cinematography, intriguing supernatural phenomena, an engaging plot--the drama was good! What made it great was one thing, Jung Woo Sung. He injected pure fire into Yang Kang Chul, and topped it off with an innocence so contradictory that you were left astonished. He gave the drama heart. There have been hundreds of dramas where the main character is wrongly accused, and goes through unimaginable injustices, but Padam Padam stands out--not just because of its eloquence and message, but for the character made in Yang Kang Chul. Also, who could forget his sidekick, Lee Gook Soo, played by a matured Kim Bum? Their relationship was what kept the story together, and their friendship and tensions is what kept me hooked. Kim Bum has definitely left behind his BOF days (thank goodness!).

All you need in life is true friends and music.

What's Up was a black sheep drama. Its source material is slightly dark, but ultimately gave a message of hope. I definitely enjoyed it, mostly due to the fresh cast with great chemistry. I'm also a sucker for a good musical number. Unlike other musical dramas, the music was not only GOOD, but also furthered and enhanced the plot. I wasn't as invested by the main love interest as much as I cared about the group of students who came together to do something bigger than themselves.

South Korea is not ready for a heroine who is NOT monogamous.

This may be a coarse lesson, but it is what I learned, and I'm not promoting "free love" and promiscuity at all. Na Mi Roo should be free to do (or not do) whatever she wants. It's just when a title and premise promise something and them backs out early in the game (i.e. episode 4) it's a let down. Though be all means, it's a pretty breezy watch (so far).

Never give up.

Have good people around you, so that YOU can be a better person.

This is my most recent completed drama, so I may be biased right now. The drama may have been over the top sometimes, but that served its purpose. Even in the most desperate circumstances--when nations and his family were all in danger, Lee Jae Ha continued. That's with the help of his "engine," especially his love Kim Hang Ah, and of course, Eun Shi Kyung. A must watch in my book.

Kim Sun Ah does not have chemistry with everyone!

This may not sound like a big deal to you, but it is to me. Sun Ah Unni is my favorite actress. PERIOD. From any country/gender/etc. Granted, this lesson partly stems from my dislike of the noona romances, but it's also because there wasn't much. Everyone I've seen her with--Gong Yoo, Hyun BIn, Cha Seung Won, Lee Dong Wook--the screen crackles. I was devastated! Still...Unni jjang!!

Fangirling is something you never grow out of.

Shinhwa Changjo for life! *ahem* No really, that's it. Except that I find it unbelievable that Lee Joo Yeon's character would actually leave Shinhwa's fanclub to be President to Cassiopeia. Becoming a fan of DBSK--no problem, I am too. BUT really leaving Shinhwa, especially when they're still together 14 years later?! No dice.

Gumiho stories don't work.

I've never seen the appeal of gumiho stories. They just don't make sense in my head. Maybe because I expect a sad ending? So, there's a short 8 episode gumiho drama starring adorkable Lee Chun Hee, and I gave it a try. It wasn't bad. There were cute moments, and while the ending wasn't doom and gloom, it left something to be desired. Calm down MGIAG lovers, I've yet to see it. However, seeing how well Seung Ki oppa did in K2H, I might have to check it out. Who knows? It might overrule this lesson.

Song Joong Ki is beloved no matter how questionable his behavior.

I love Joong Ki as much as the next girl, but seriously? Some of the stuff was super twisted. (He's best with his same-aged-friend, Kwang Soo)

The  second lead never gets the girl..EVER! Even when the lead is a complete and utter donkey for the first 12 episodes; even when he does unforgivable things numerous times, in numerous lives; and even when he tells the second lead to love her well. :/

I was so excited about this drama. I'm a big fan of Shin Hyun Joon, and was expecting to cry from laughter. Instead, I cried at the UNFAIRNESS! Never have I seen writers mess up a story like this. It's like you're watching a completely different drama after the first 12 episodes. If you're going to make the hero despicable, then do it within the limit that we still think he's the hero. Even my beloved ahjussi couldn't bring this horrible man back to the light.

The pressures of high school fade quickly in memory.

I'm really liking this drama so far. It's just, sometimes, I want to tell a kid to 'get over it' or 'suck it up'. I'm just going to attribute this to my getting older and more cantankerous.

I NEED MORE JO JUNG SUK IN MY LIFE!